The majority of colleges in Mauritius have not yet transmitted their lists of required textbooks for the 2027 school year, causing concern among librarians. This delay may lead to supply chain disruptions and insufficient availability of books for the January school reopening. Librarians are urging colleges to finalize their orders promptly to avoid a shortage of essential textbooks. The situation is becoming increasingly pressing as the new academic year approaches.
According to publishers Éditions Le Printemps Ltée and BM Book Centre Co. Ltd, only 25 and 44 colleges, respectively, have submitted their orders out of around 140 institutions. This slow response from colleges is worrying, as importing and local printing of textbooks require lengthy lead times. The publishers have been in repeated contact with rectors to obtain the definitive lists of required textbooks, but the response has been inadequate so far.
The delay in ordering textbooks may have severe consequences on their availability. Orders for textbooks from foreign publishers need to be placed several weeks or even months in advance. Furthermore, textbooks printed abroad face additional shipping and logistics challenges, which are exacerbated by the current international geopolitical situation and increased freight costs. Local printing presses are also facing high demand, adding to the challenges.
Mahmad Mittoo, director of BM Book Centre Co. Ltd, stated that the procedure for ordering textbooks usually takes place in September, allowing librarians to place their orders on time and stock the books before the new school year. However, due to the lack of orders from many colleges, the company has had to rely on previous orders to ensure some availability of textbooks.
Librarians are concerned that some textbooks may not be available for the new school year, forcing parents to visit multiple bookstores to obtain the required materials. This situation may be particularly challenging for students who require additional textbooks recommended by teachers to supplement their learning. The delay in textbook delivery may hinder access to these resources, affecting the quality of education.
The publishers are urging college administrators to submit their textbook orders as soon as possible to enable timely ordering, importing, and printing of textbooks for the 2027 school year. If the orders are not received promptly, it may compromise the availability of textbooks when students return to school in January. The situation is becoming increasingly worrying, given that school results are expected to be announced by December 15.
The shortage of textbooks may have far-reaching consequences for students and teachers. With the new school year approaching, it is essential that colleges transmit their orders promptly to ensure that students have access to the required textbooks. The librarians and publishers are working together to mitigate the situation, but a swift response from colleges is necessary to avoid a shortage of essential textbooks.
Key points
- Colleges in Mauritius are delaying orders for textbooks, potentially leading to a shortage for the 2027 school year.
- Librarians and publishers are urging colleges to submit their orders promptly to avoid supply chain disruptions.
- The delay in ordering textbooks may compromise the availability of essential materials for students when they return to school in January.
